Architecture About Blue Mosque The Blue Mosque (Called Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish) is an historical mosque in Istanbul. The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design.Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 years, during the rule of Ahmed I. just like many other mosques, it also comprises a tomb of the founder, a madrasa and a hospice.Besides still used as a mosque, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque has also become a popular tourist attraction in Istanbul. Besides being tourist attraction, it's also a active mosque, so it's closed to non worshippers for a half hour or so during the five daily prayers. Best way to see great architecture of the Blue Mosque is to approach it from the Hippodrome. (West side of the mosque) As if you are non-Muslim visitor, you also have to use same direction to enter the Mosque. ​​ Please ignore and avoid people who offer you to enter mosque without queue up. Those people mostly will try to sell you something and take you to the some shopping place. Best way is to line up and enter Mosque just like other tourists.

Don't worry if line looks very long, it will move very fast for sure. ​How to Visit Blue Mosque ? Tourists always wonder how to visit Blue Mosque.There is also many other questions such as if there is any entrance fee,dress code, where to put my shoes etc.Here below is the answers of all these simple questions... ​ 1) Plan your visit to the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul, so that you better arrive mid morning. Pray happens five times a day with the first call to prayer at sunrise and the last one at nightfall.The mosque closes for 90 minutes at each pray time.Avoid visiting a mosque at pray time (Especially Midday praying on Friday) or within a half hour after the ezan is chanted from the Mosque minarets. 2) Before step in to Mosque, take off your shoes and put in plastic bags provided at the entrance(Free of Charge). This is required of all persons as part of Muslim tradition when entering a mosque. There is also no charge to enter the Blue Mosque. 3) If you are women wear a head covering when entering to Blue Mosque.Head coverings are available at the Blue Mosque entrance for free.

Place the fabric cover on top of your head with equal portions hanging on both sides. Take one side and wrap it around your neck, tossing it behind your back with covering your shoulders. Don't cover your face, the covering is meant to hide your hair only. 4) When you are inside the mosque, remain quiet and don't use flash photography.Since this is a place of worship, avoid staring or taking picture of those who are praying.Visit the mosque respectfully and quietly.At the Mosque exit, you can put used plastic bags in designated bin bags and return head covers to duty staff. 5) You can do donation to help maintain the Mosque at the exit door.It is not compulsory, but if you make donation you will get the official receipt for it. Blue Mosque - Istanbul Tour Studio – Istanbul Guide Blue Mosque You need to go inside to see why it is called the 'Blue Mosque'. OVERVIEW Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) Also known as the Sultan Ahmet Camii (or Sultan Ahmed Mosque ), this breath-taking building is one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques in all of Turkey.

Blue Mosque History The Blue Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616, by the architect Mehmet Ağa, instructed by Sultan Ahmet I . It was designed as an imperial show of strength to complement the imposing Hagia Sophia , which faces it across Sultanahmet Square. Unlike the Hagia Sophia, however it is supported by four 'elephant foot' pillars, and the central dome (23.5m in diameter and 43m high) is flanked by four semi-domes, making it nearly a square in shape. It is dubbed the Blue Mosque because of over 20,000 handmade ceramic Iznik tiles that decorate the interior, featuring many different tulip, rose, carnation, and lily designs, well lit by 260 windows. Blue Mosque is also known as Sultan Ahmet Camii or Sultan Ahmed Mosque Amazing facts about Blue Mosque Aside from its staggering size and exquisite beauty, one of the most distinctive elements of this Istanbul mosque is that it has six minarets, as opposed to the usual two or four of most of the city’s mosques.

In the history of the Blue Mosque, legend has it that this is because of a misunderstanding – when the Sultan decreed there should be altın minare (gold minarets), the architect heard altı minare (six minarets) – an easy mistake to make! This caused some controversy, as the only other mosque with six minarets at that time was the Prophet’s mosque in Mecca – a problem the sultan overcame by ordering a seventh to be added in Mecca. Blue Mosque is the one and only mosque in Istanbul with six minarets. Photo by Flicker user Ming-yen Hsu Visitor information for the Blue Mosque Although it is one of Istanbul's most popular sights, it is still a working mosque, and is therefore closed to tourists during prayer time. In general, the opening hours of the Blue Mosque Turkey are from 9am until one hour before dusk each day, excluding 90 minutes each prayer time, and two hours during Friday noon prayers. It is advised to dress respectfully when visiting, although shawls and outer garments are given at the door if necessary. Exterior of Blue Mosque, Istanbul. Photo by Flicker user Sarah J Murray.

How to get to the Blue Mosque The easiest way to get there is to take a tram to Sultanahmet, from where is it is two minute walk. Be advised, in busy times, there is often a queue to get in. From Blue Mosque to Hagia Sophia it's only two minutes walking distace. Bronze entrance gate of Blue Mosque, Istanbul What else is nearby? Set in the historic old city, the Istanbul Blue Mosque is also close to a number of other sights, including the Hagia Sophia , Topkapi Palace , the Archeology Museum , the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar . You can also pay a visit to the tomb of Sultan Ahmet I, located just outside the precinct wall, northwest of the mosque. Like the mosque itself, it is free to visit, and ornately decorated with more 17th century Iznik tiles. Hand made Iznik tiles of Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Istanbul Are there any hotels close to Blue Mosque? Located in the most popular touristy area, there a number of accommodation options close by to suit all budgets. Some of the luxury hotels include the Four Seasons Sultanahmet , and Armada Sultanahmet .

6) Yatsi / Isha - Right before last light of the day get disappeared If you like to check real time praying times, you can click here . HISTORY OF BLUE MOSQUE Following the Peace of Zsitvatorok (1606) and the unfavourable result of the wars with Persia, Sultan Ahmed I decided to build a huge mosque in Istanbul. It would be the first great imperial mosque to be built in more than forty years.His predecessors had paid for their mosques with their war booty, Sultan Ahmed I had to withdraw the funds from the treasury, because he had not won any notable victories during his time. This provoked the anger of the Ottoman ulema, the Muslim legal scholars. The mosque was to be built on the site of the palace of the Byzantine emperors, facing the Hagia Sophia (at that time it was most venerated mosque in Istanbul) and the hippodrome, a site of great symbolic significance. Large parts of the southern side of the mosque rest on the foundation and vaults of the Great Palace. Several palaces was already built there, most notably the palace of Sokollu Mehmet Pasha, so these first had to be bought at a considerable cost and pulled down.

Large parts of the Sphendone (curved tribune with U-shaped structure of the hippodrome) were also removed to make room for the new mosque. Construction of the mosque started in August 1609 when the sultan himself came to break the first sod. It was his intention that this would become the first mosque of his empire. He did appoint his royal architect Sedefhar Mehmet Ağa, a pupil and senior assistant of the famous architect Mimar Sinan to be in charge of the Mosque construction. The organization of the work was described in meticulous detail in eight volumes, now found in the library of the Topkapı Palace. The opening ceremonies were held in 1617 . The sultan could now pray in the royal box which called hünkâr mahfil. The building was not yet finished in this last year of his reign, as the last accounts were signed by his successor Mustafa I. Known as the Blue Mosque , Sultan Ahmed Mosque is currently one of the most impressive monuments in the world.

INTERIOR OF THE BLUE MOSQUE At Blue Mosque lower levels and at every pier, the interior of the mosque is lined with more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles, made at Iznik city (Nicaea) in more than fifty different tulip designs. The tiles at lower levels are traditional in design, while at gallery level their design becomes flamboyant with representing flowers, fruit and cypresses. More than 20,000 tiles were made under the supervision of the Iznik master potter Kasap Haci,and Baris Efendi from Avanos,Cappadocia. The price to be paid for each tile was fixed by the sultan's decree,due tile prices in general increased over time. Result is, the quality of the tiles used in the building decreased gradually. Their colours have faded and changed and the glazes have dulled. The tiles on the back balcony wall are restorated tiles from the harem in the Topkapı Palace, when it was damaged by fire in 1574. The upper levels of the Mosque interior is dominated by blue paint. More than 200 stained glass windows with intricate designs admit natural light.

On the chandeliers, ostrich eggs are found that where meant to avoid cobwebs inside the mosque by repelling spiders.The decorations including verses from the Qur'an, many of them made by Seyyid Kasim Gubari, regarded as the greatest calligrapher of his time. The floors are covered with carpets, which is donated by faithful people and are regularly replaced as they wear out. The many spacious windows confer a spacious impression. Each exedra of the Mosque has five windows, some of which are blind. Each semi dome has 14 windows and the central dome 28 windows(four of which are blind). The coloured glass for the windows was a gift from the Signoria of Venice to the sultan. Most of these coloured windows have been replaced by current modern versions with little or no artistic merit. The most important element of the Mosque interior is the mihrab, which is made of finely carved and sculptured marble, with a stalactite niche and a double inscriptive panel above it.Adjacent walls are sheathed in ceramic tiles. But due to many windows around it make it look less spectacular.

To the right of the mihrab is the richly decorated minber, or pulpit, where the Imam stands when he is delivering his sermon at the time of noon prayer on Fridays or special holy days. The mosque has been specially designed so that even when it is at its most crowded, everyone in the mosque can see and hear the Imam. The royal kiosk is situated at the south-east corner comprises a platform, a loggia and two small retiring rooms. It gives access to the royal loge in the south east upper gallery of the Blue Mosque. These retiring rooms became the headquarters of the Grand Vizier during the suppression on the rebellious Janissary Corps in they year of 1826. The royal loge (called hünkâr mahfil in Turkish) is supported by ten marble columns. The many lamps inside the Blue Mosque were once covered with gold and gems. Among the glass bowls each one could find ostrich eggs and crystal balls. All these decorations have been removed or pillaged for museums in Istanbul.

The great tablets on the walls are inscribed with the names of the caliphs and verses from the Quran, originally by the great 17th century calligrapher Ametli Kasım Gubarım, but time by time they have frequently been restored. EXTERIOR OF THE BLUE MOSQUE The façade of the spacious forecourt was built in the same manner as the façade of the Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul, except for the addition of the turrets on the corner domes. The court is about as large as the mosque itself and is surrounded by a continuous vaulted arcade. The central hexagonal fountain is rather small in contrast with the dimensions of the courtyard. The monumental but narrow gateway to the courtyard stands out architecturally from the its arcade. Its semi-dome has a fine stalactite structure, crowned by a small ribbed dome on a tall tholobate. A heavy iron chain hangs in the upper part of the court entrance on the western side of the Mosque. Only the sultan was allowed to enter the court of the Blue Mosque on horseback.

The chain was put there, so that the sultan had to lower his head every time he enter the court in order not to get hit.It was done as a symbolic gesture, to ensure the humility of the ruler in the face of the divine. MINARETS OF THE BLUE MOSQUE The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is first one of the two mosques in Turkey that has six minarets.Second one is the Sabancı Mosque in Adana. When the number of minarets was revealed, the Sultan was criticized for being presumptuous, since this was the same minarets number as at the mosque of the Ka'aba in Mecca.He overcame this problem by ordering a seventh minaret to be built at the Mecca mosque. Four minarets stand at the corners of the Blue Mosque. Each of these fluted, pencil-shaped minarets has three balconies (Called Serefe) with stalactite corbels, while the two others at the end of the forecourt only have two balconies.Before the muezzin or prayer caller had to climb a narrow spiral staircase five times a day to announce the call to prayer.

Today, a public announce system is being used, and the call can be heard across the old part of the city, echoed by other mosques in the vicinity. Large crowds of both Turks and tourists gather at sunset in the park facing the mosque to hear the call to evening prayers, as the sun sets and the mosque is brilliantly illuminated by colored flood lights. BLUE MOSQUE ADDRESS & MAP LOCATION Sultanahmet Camii, 34122 Sultanahmet, Fatih, İstanbul,TURKEY Tel: +90 212 518 13 19 - Fax: +90 212 458 44 66 Content Author : Ebrar OKÇU Page Editor : Mustafa Gökhan BULUT Published : 28 June 2014 Blue Mosque - All About Istanbul More News Blue Mosque Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque by many tourists because of its bluish interior decoration, is the most important mosque of Istanbul standing next to the Byzantine Hippodrome in the old city center.

It was built by the Ottoman sultan Ahmed I between 1609 - 1616 facing Hagia Sophia , in order to compete with it. Its architect was Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, a poet and inlayer as well, and a student of the greatest architect Sinan . When Ahmed I died in 1617, he was buried near the mosque and a mausoleum was built over his tomb. Like all the big and important mosques of that time, also the Sultan Ahmed Mosque was built as a complex including a theological school , an imperial lodge, a kitchen for the poor, bazaar shops to raise money for the maintenance works, and a small library. The mosque has an outer courtyard accessible by several gates, an elevated inner courtyard (named as "late comers courtyard") paved in marble and surrounded by a portico with small domes. In the center of this courtyard there is a fine fountain for ablutions which is dry today. This is the only mosque in Istanbul having 6 minarets ; four of these have three balconies on each, and two have two balconies on each, that makes a total of 16 in all, reached by spiral stairs (closed to the public).

Muslims are called to prayer from these balconies five times a day by the Muezzin . Top of the minarets and top of the domes are covered with lead. There are 3 entrances to the mosque, and after entering inside one gets shocked by the floral and geometrical interior decoration and beauty of over 21 thousand Iznik (Nicea) tiles, about 260 windows with stained glass, and calligraphy art of Koranic verses. The 34-meter high central dome is surrounded by smaller domes and semi-domes to distribute the heavy weight of the main dome, and all of them are supported by 4 huge pillars (called "elephant legs"). The marble niche which shows the direction of Mecca , called Mihrab , is aligned with the axis of the mosque. On the right of Mihrab there is a marble Minbar , the pulpit where the Imam goes up and gives his sermon. On the other side of the mosque, to left corner, there is the sultan 's lodge where he used to pray in private away from the crowd. The mosque is covered with rugs as a general tradition in any mosque , thus people have to take their shoes off before entering.

It's permitted to take photos inside and use flash without any problems. The mosque is generally open to the visitors during the day, but closed for a short time during the prayers . If possible, a small donation is accepted at the exit of the mosque, which is used for repair and maintenance works. During the summer nights, light and sound shows are organized in the park next to the mosque. Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque) At Meydani (Hippodrome) 21, Sultanahmet-Istanbul Phone: +90 212 4587107 Open daily except during prayer times. Also, on Fridays it's closed in the morning until the end of Friday Prayers (approximately until 14:30) Click here for high resolution photo gallery of the Blue Mosque Hope to see you soon in Istanbul.

See also Blue mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) - Review of Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey - TripAdvisor Review of Blue Mosque Sultanahmet | Sultanahmet Mah, Istanbul 34122, Turkey (Sultanahmet) +90 212 518 1319 The Legends of History Tour: Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace in Istanbul See more tours on Viator Fee: No Recommended length of visit: <1 hour Owner description: Built between 1609-1616, this impressive mosque has six minarets. Why is it called "Blue Mosque?" There are two stories: the first, more common one is that the interior is covered in Blue İznik tiles. The second is: Many years ago, ancient sailors who sailed by the mosque on the Marmara Sea saw the blue colors of the sea reflected in the mosque. There are newer reviews for this attraction “Blue mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)” Reviewed July 21, 2013 Blue mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) sometimes confused with Suleymaniye Mosque is an amazing place with Very impressive architecture.

Its known as Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its beautiful interior. It was built from 1609 to 1616, during the rule of Ahmed I. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque has one main dome, six minarets, and eight secondary domes. The Six minarets are what differentiates this mosque from the others. Visited February 2013 Ask Bilal S about Blue Mosque This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. 24,324 reviews from our community Visitor rating “Beautiful mosque” Reviewed July 21, 2013 This is a beautiful mosque in Istanbul. It's right next to Hagia Sofia, so many people do the two together. There isn't a charge to enter, but you need to make sure you have a scarf for your hair (women) and that you take off your shoes. The structure itself is beautiful, and it is a huge mosque. Even will lots of tourists it still manages to be big enough to feel serene and calm. I wish we had had a guide or a guidebook because I feel like I would have been able to appreciate the structure more if I had a better sense of the history.

We randomly ended up having drinks at a rooftop bar not too far away, and it turned out to have amazing views of the Blue Mosque at night. If you walk outside the mosque (not the Hagia Sofia side), look across the square and to the left for the rooftop bar. You can hang out there and take some amazing photos of the Blue Mosque that seem more like postcard shots. Visited June 2013 “An opportunity to learn.” Reviewed July 21, 2013 We loved this visit and were impressed by the peacefulness of the place despite the hordes of tourists. While waiting in line, we got "greeted" by a local who offered to guide us through the mosque in exchange for us doing a quick visit to his family's rug shop. We accepted (why the heck not?) and were glad we did. It was nice to have someone explain some of the details of Islam in the context of this grand mosque. (For the record, the visit to the rug shop was nice, too.

We chose not to buy and there was no pressure to do so.) Visited June 2013 Visit the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) in Istanbul for free - Joy Della Vita Travelblog Home / Istanbul /Visit the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) in Istanbul for free Visit the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) in Istanbul for free by Travelblogger Lisa If you are in Istanbul and want to visit a Mosque, for free, go to the famous Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque (often written as Sultanahmet on signs). Due to several prayer times during the day there are three big time blocks in which you can visit the Mosque, as a tourist. I entered the Mosque from the southern part and already a few minutes after the official opening time there were some (~50) people standing in line. As the dress code to enter the Mosque is strict – no uncovered shoulders, no visible legs on both women and men – they provide you with dresses, head coverings and skirts. Also men with short shorts need to wear such skirts, just as women with dresses / skirts that aren’t long enough.

During my visit I was wearing a long jeans and a T-Shirt and I covered both my head/hair and shoulders with an own scarf and it was no problem for me to enter the Blue Mosque in Istanbul with my own clothes. After passing the issue for the skirts you go up some stairs and there you have to take your shoes off. Luckily (!!) you can keep your socks on, so just put your shoes inside the provided plastic bags and do not use two bags to cover up the shoes you’re still wearing. Now you’re ready to enter the Mosque, and my first thought was just: wow. The visitor area was separated from the prayers area and both weren’t that crowded. You could clearly smell foot odor, but just ignore it, look up and admire the interior of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque and the huge chandeliers. There are more than 260 windows within the roof that is topped by a Dome with a diameter of 23,5 m. The Mosque was completed in 1616 after a 7 year building time and it was the first imperial mosque for more than forty years at that time.

What’s really breathtaking and special about the mosque is the uncountable amount of handmade Iznik ceramic tiles that were used to cover the upper interior of the Mosque. Most of them are blue, that’s where the name Blue Mosque comes from. The whole Mosque is widely known as a masterpiece of the Ottoman architecture. When visiting the Blue Mosque / Sultan Ahmed Mosque, make sure to keep silent as it’s still a spiritual place and stay respectful! If you are walking in with bare feet, there are possibilities outside to wash them with water and soap. Pictures of the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) in Istanbul Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) in Istanbul Sultanahmet Wedding hotels in Istanbul City Center, Turkey Sultanahmet Wedding hotels in Istanbul City Center, Turkey Sultanahmet Top Trending Hotels Near Sultanahmet, Istanbul City Center Rating: 5.0 Stars 4.9 out of 5 (230 reviews) "The best hotel experience ever!" This four seasons hotel is perfect in every way - location, service and ambiance. They make you feel welcome and special. So many little surprises made our stay even more wonderful - such as a birthday cake for me. It was delicious and beautiful.

Made our family vacation in Istanbul magical Traveller from US Check-out Check Availability Located in Fatih, this luxury hotel is steps from Sultanahmet Square and Hagia Sophia. Basilica Cistern and Blue Mosque are … More Rating: 4.0 Stars 4.6 out of 5 (178 reviews) "Really nice hotel. " Easy access to all the tourists location. All within 5 to 10 minutes walk. Plenty of restaurants nearby. The hotel staff were very friendly and helpful. Would definitely stay in this hotel again. A Traveller Check-out Check Availability Located in Fatih, this hotel is steps from Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern. Hippodrome and Blue Mosque are also within 10 … More Rating: 4.0 Stars 3.7 out of 5 (79 reviews) "A very nice & exceptionally comfortable place." Heading back to USA from a job in the middle-east, I wanted to spend a couple of nights in Istanbul. We came into IST in the middle of a snowstorm, which blanketed the city in a couple of inches of snow/ice. I was very pleased with the friendliness, cleanliness, and location of Blues Eye Suites.

The breakfasts were quite extensive, fresh-cooked, and simply exceptional (wide variety of selection). I plan to go back, for sure; I hope that my next visit, I will not go into Istanbul being so tired (so that I can visit more of the historical sites, in future). The Blue Eye Suites was simply a wonderful place to stay ! Traveller from Houston, Texas, USA Check-in Private Full-Day Tour of the Old City - Istanbul | Expedia Private Full-Day Tour of the Old City by Travelium Duration 8h Free cancellation Cancellation Policy You can cancel free of charge until 4 days before your reservation starts. After that time, no cancellations, changes or refunds will be made. No booking or credit card fees per traveler Price was {0} Discount price is $94 $94 Check Availability Previous image, 5 total items. Next image, 5 total items. Discover Istanbul’s historic peninsula, Sultanahmet, also known as the Old City, on your comprehensive private tour. From the historic Hippodrome and bustling Grand Bazaar, to towering minarets and domes of ancient mosques—learn about the art and history of the Byzantine and Ottoman eras.

Your tour starts with a visit to The Hippodrome, formerly the heart of Constantinople’s political and sporting life. See the obelisks and statues that still stand today, as your guide tells you stories that bring the past to life. Visit one of the holiest Islamic sites of the city, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque. You can wander through the great sultan’s tomb, admiring the meticulously arranged tiles and calligraphy along the way. Then continue to The Hagia Sophia, where you can marvel at the domed construction and gaze at the sophisticated interior of this “Church of Divine Wisdom.” Your next stop, the Grand Bazaar, is one of the largest and busiest covered markets in the world. Have a go at haggling with the local tradesmen, and grab yourself a bargain, before retiring to a local restaurant for lunch. The opulent Topkapi Palace, once the imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans, is positioned on the edge of the Golden Horn, at the entrance to the Bosphorus. Halls of holy relics, costumes, and imperial weaponry await your discovery.

End your journey with a visit to the Rustem Pasha Mosque to view the handmade Iznik tiles that adorn the interior and exterior walls. Discover Istanbul’s historic peninsula, Sultanahmet, also known as the Old City, on your comprehensive private tour. From the historic Hippodrome and bustling Grand Bazaar, to towering minarets and domes of ancient mosques—learn about the art and history of the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Your tour starts with a visit to The Hippodrome, formerly the heart of Constantinople’s political and sporting life. See the obelisks and statues that still stand today, as your guide tells you stories that bring the past to life. Visit one of the holiest Islamic sites of the city, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque. You can wander through the great sultan’s tomb, admiring the meticulously arranged tiles and calligraphy along the way. Then continue to The Hagia Sophia, where you can marvel at the domed construction and gaze at the sophisticated interior of this “Church of Divine Wisdom.” Your next stop, the Grand Bazaar, is one of the largest and busiest covered markets in the world.

Have a go at haggling with the local tradesmen, and grab yourself a bargain, before retiring to a local restaurant for lunch. The opulent Topkapi Palace, once the imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans, is positioned on the edge of the Golden Horn, at the entrance to the Bosphorus. Halls of holy relics, costumes, and imperial weaponry await your discovery. End your journey with a visit to the Rustem Pasha Mosque to view the handmade Iznik tiles that adorn the interior and exterior walls. Blue Mosque - Mosque in Istanbul - Thousand Wonders Wikipedia | Google | Google Images | Flickr Blue Mosque - Blue Mosque. Photo by Pedro Szekely The six slim minarets and cascading domes of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the ‘Blue Mosque’, are evidently visible in Istanbul ’s skyline. The construction and building of this mosque was actually an idea of Sultan Ahmed which is the reason why it’s named after him. Hagia Sophia , another great architectural achievement stands next to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul’s main square; you can visit them both in one day to decide which is the most impressive structure.

History of the Blue Mosque The mosque was made-to-order by Sultan Ahmed I when he was just nineteen-years-old. The construction started in 1609 and took a total of seven years to complete; it has been a place of worship for Muslims for the past almost four centuries. The mosque is built near Hagia Sophia, over the site of the Byzantine imperial palace and the ancient hippodrome, the mosaics of which can also be seen in the nearby Mosaic Museum. In the complex of buildings around the mosque are a madrasa, a hospice and the tomb of Sultan Ahmed. Sultan Ahmed I signed a peace treaty with the Habsburg Monarchy in November 1606, ending a 15 year long war with the city. Returning to Istanbul, then known as Constantinople, he decided to build a grand mosque to bolster the image of the Ottoman Dynasty which was tottering for the previous half a century. The Sultan was only 17 years of age when he sanctioned the project. Blue Mosque - Blue Mosque. Photo by Dennis Jarvis The mosque is designed by the architect, Mehmet Agha, however Sultan Ahmed also assisted in its work as he was very anxious to complete his magnificent creation.

veral buildings of the byzantine era were razed to make way for the mosque, among them the erstwhile palace of the Byzantine Emperors. The construction of the mosque clearly indicates the influence of Byzantine designs combine with Islamic Architecture. Mehmet Agha was a pupil of the great architect, Mimar Sinan , and the quest for grandeur in the size of the mosque illustrates the masters approach. Unfortunately, Agha died just a year, at the young age of 27, after his magnificent mosque was completed. You can visit his grave during your trip to the mosque as he is just buried outside the mosque with his family. The original building of the mosque included a hospital, a madrasa , a primary school, a Han, an imaret, a market, and the founder’s tomb. By the 19th century, most of these buildings were worn out. Interior of the blue mosque. . Photo by Miguel Virkkunen Carvalho Things to See at the Blue Mosque The beautiful six minarets of the Blue Mosque can be seen from a long distance, and this makes it unique from all the other mosques as all the other mosques only have four, two, or one minaret.

According to an account, the architect was directed by the Sultan to make gold (altin) minarets, which were misinterpret by him as the 6 (alti) minarets. Whatever the cause may be for this unique feature of it, its 6 minarets caused quite a stir and dishonor, as the Al-Haram Mosque in Makkah (the holiest in the world) also had six minarets. Due to this issue, the Sultan sent his architect to Makkah to have this problem solved by adding a 7th minaret. Another striking feature of mosque’s exterior is its beautifully arranged cascade domes which looks as if it's spilled down from the great central dome. To add to further visual rhythm, there are arcades that run beneath its each dome. Even though the external is not blue, the name “Blue Mosque” is given to the mosque due to the blue tiles inside it. The west entrance is the main entrance which is decorated beautifully and worth experiencing. However, for the perseverance of mosque’s sacredness, non-worshipers are made to use the Northern entrance.

There are symbolic chains that hang from this gate which encourage everyone to bow their heads upon entering, including the Sultan, who used to do it on his horseback. The high ceiling from inside is lined with 20,000 blue tiles, giving the name ‘Blue Mosque’ to it. These tiles present excellent examples of the 16th-century Iznik design, trees, abstract patterns, and the old tiles feature flowers. The overall effects make for the most beautiful sights in Istanbul. These Iznik tiles can be seen on the North Wall, just above the main entrance and in the galleries. The rest of the tiles that have got a less delicate design were made in Kütahya . The 260 windows, once filled with the 17th century stained glass, lit up its interior. Today, the glass is unfortunately replaced with the inferior replicas. During the summertime, various sound and light shows are organized in the park. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque occupies a focal point in the city tours, combined with various monumental museums and buildings in the vicinity. The mosque minarets present a classic Turkish architectural example.

You can reach the balconies through the spiral stairs and from these balconies, the believers are called to prayer five times a day, each day using loudspeakers. In Islam, Muslims are required to pray five times a day. When the believers hear the prayer call from the minarets, they perform their ablutions (washing) before saying their prayers. The Friday prayers (noontime) and the prayers on other important holidays are performed collectively in the mosque. The Imam takes lead and chants verses from the Quran in the communal prayers. There are separate praying areas for men and women. The central area is reserved for men only while women take place in either the galleries or behind them. The highlight of this Turkish mosque is that even during the most crowded days, the congregation can see the mihrab easily. The mihrab (a niche in the wall that indicates the direction of Mecca to the faithful) inside the mosque, is made of ornately carved and sculpted from marble with an inscribed panel above it. Next to the mihrab is the minbar, a platform or a pulpit from where the imam of the mosque preaches to the congregation.

The floors of the mosque are covered with carpets and the space is designed with such detail that even when the mosque is crowded, every worshiper can see and hear the imam. The royals had access to the mosque from the eastern side with a royal kiosk and two retiring rooms. Inside the blue mosque. Photo by Abraham Puthoor Visiting the Sultan Ahmed Mosque Although visitors to the mosque are allowed free entry, the timings of entry are restricted because of the five prayers a day that Muslims conduct in the mosque. The first call to prayer is before dawn and the last is at dusk. It is best to reach the Sultan Ahmet area as early as possible in the mornings. The mosque is best entered from the western side where there is a hippodrome. Non-Muslims are only allowed entry from this side. All visitors are required to dress conservatively and remove their footwear prior to entering the mosque. Women are required to cover their hair with a scarf. Plastic bags for tucking the shoes in and scarves are provided free of cost at the entrance. The used plastic bags can be disposed of in bins kept at the exits. Within the mosque, silence has to be maintained and using of flash lights is banned.

Visitors can also make donations when leaving the mosque and official receipts are issued. Festival and Events A historical narrative and a light show is arranged during the summers at the Blue Mosque in the evening time at 9 PM. The commentaries are given in various languages such as English, Turkish, German, and French on various evenings. Staying and Things to Do in Istanbul Istanbul is well connected by air to most cities in the world. Visas for US and most EU citizens are available on arrival at the airport. Getting about the city is also easy with plenty of buses, metro, trams, and taxis. There are many hotels within walking distance of the Blue Mosque and a tourist can choose from prices ranging from $ 50 USD to luxurious five-star hotels. Istanbul is a cauldron of cultures and the choice of food is amazing. There are plenty of bars and tea gardens too. With the Hagia Sophia, once a cathedral, converted into a mosque and now a museum located close to the mosque, a tourist will probably have enough to do for a day.

Among the other places of interest in Istanbul are the Topkapi Palace, built in the second half of the 15th century and the residence of Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years. The Hippodrome of Constantine and the Suleymaniye Mosque along with the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Topkapi Palace are all classified as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, showcasing the heritage of the city since the past 1,500 years. There are also the centuries-old Chora Church and the fascinating Grand Bazaar in the old market. Do you see any omissions, errors or want to add information to this page? Sign up . Author: Khadija. Last updated: Sep 12, 2014 Pictures of Blue Mosque

Question: In which city can you visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque?
Answer: ISTANBUL